Exercise device integrally incorporating digital capabilities for music, light, video and still imagery, heart rate measurement and caloric consumption

ABSTRACT

A fitness device integrally incorporating digital technology can include capabilities for providing music and auditory stimulus that can be heard through a headphone, Bluetooth; or speakers for ambient music. Further capabilities enable the device to record video and still imagery, play video to provide instruction, feedback; or for leisure viewing. Along with sound and video capability, the device can have light emitting capability for a visual dimension in use. For biofeedback, the device can include a heart rate calculator to provide feedback on the level of exercise intensity and caloric consumption. The light emitting capacity allows the user to create patterns in use. Thus, the device can be multi-faceted able to provide ambient music, recording and viewing video, enveloping the user in a “bath” of light, sound, very subtle electromagnetic fields. All of said baths are created at distances from the users body that correspond to the length of the users arms, degree of bend at the elbow joint and chosen pathway for the circular/orbital movements.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/091,257, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments disclosed herein relate to the advances in exercise equipment, improvements for better providing instructions for using exercise equipment and directing sound around the body of a user during exercise.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Certain known exercise devices, which can be referred to as a “sculpted exercise weights”, have been specifically designed to be well balanced for exercises in which the weight is moved in fluid, curving movements around the head and torso, as well as other fluid-movement exercises. These types of sculpted exercise weights feel more natural and are safer when used in conjunction with exercises involving fluid circular movements that are pervasive in natural human movements and a host of activities including dance, yoga, tai chi and what is called “functional fitness” in the fitness industry. SmartBells are an example of such sculpted weight that are useful in one embodiment of the multipurpose weight.

By contrast, many classic dumbbell and free weight exercises such as curling, military press, bench press, etc., are performed while standing or sitting stationary, with movements designed to isolate muscles. These isolating and limited movements are not the typical movements humans perform during normal activities.

Rather, humans move more fluidly, using many muscle groups during normal movements, such as movements performed while dancing, golf, bowling, playing basketball, pushing your children on swings, etc. Exercises for which sculpted exercise weights are designed are much more similar to normal human movements, and thus provide other benefits than classic dumbbell exercises.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS

An aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein includes the realization that users can benefit in several ways by providing an accommodation for a media player on a sculpted exercise weight. For example, although exercises including fluid circular movements that are pervasive in natural human movements and a host of activities including dance, yoga, tai chi and what is called “functional fitness” in the fitness industry with a sculpted weight can provide unique benefits, they can be much more difficult to perform and difficult to describe in line drawings than classic dumbbell exercises. This is because some sculpted weights are designed to provide a certain feeling of balance during a movement, when performed at a certain minimum speeds. Users can have difficulty understanding how to perform such exercises when relying on line drawings or photographs of such movements. Thus, by providing a media player, such as a video player or audio player, on an inwardly facing surface of a sculpted exercise weight, a user can receive instructions for performing these more complex exercises while holding the exercise weight and media player in their hands. Another surprising use relates to therapies known as “sound bathing”.

Sound bathing therapies include techniques for directing sound at the body from many directions with a powerful sound system in an acoustically reflective room. Others include immersing the body in liquid and directing sound waves into the liquid, thereby conducting sound into the body with a liquid medium. However, including a media player into a hand-held exercise weight allows a user to perform fluid therapeutic movements, including Tai Chi type movements, and benefit from a form of sound bathing therapy.

For example, a user can activate a media player which is directed from the front surface of the sculpted exercise weight toward the user, and perform exercises with Tai Chi type, and other fluidic movements. Some of these movements can include moving the sculpted exercise weight along curved, circular or oblong paths around parts of the body, such as the head, torso, and legs. Thus, the media player can direct sound around the body of the user, eventually directing sound, at close range to the user, at the entire body of the user. This provides a convenient way to obtain the benefits of sound therapy without the need for immersion in water or a large and powerful sound systems designed to direct sound so as to surround a focused area in which the user must stand.

Thus, in some embodiments, the multipurpose exercise weight comprises an exercise weight; and a digital device or a recess for receiving a digital device; wherein the digital device or recess is substantially centered on a horizontal axis of the multipurpose exercise weight; wherein the exercise weight comprises a pair of generally diametrically opposed handgrips located along the horizontal axis of the exercise weight; wherein the exercise weight further comprises a concave surface defining a clearance when placed on a flat horizontal surface; wherein the digital device or the recess is positioned on the concave surface; and wherein the digital device does not touch a horizontal surface when placed on a horizontal surface in any position.

The digital device may be selected from one or more device from the group consisting of a media device, a phone, a personal digital assistant; a portable computing device; or a vibration device. The digital device may be selected from the group consisting of a sound device, a camera, a video recorder, a video player, and a lighting device. In some aspects where the multipurpose exercise weight comprises two or more digital devices, one may be a first media device and a second media device and the other may be a light device. The first media device may be, for example, an iPhone, iPod or MP3 player; and the second media device may be a light device.

In some embodiments, the multipurpose exercise weight further comprises at least one speaker, wherein the at least one speaker is located on the concave surface of the exercise weight.

In some embodiments, the multipurpose exercise weight further comprises a heart rate monitor proximate at least one handgrip of the multipurpose exercise weight. In some embodiments, the multipurpose exercise weight further comprises a docking station. In some aspects, the multipurpose exercise weight further comprises a docking station insertion point on an edge of the exercise weight.

In other embodiments, the multipurpose exercise weight further comprises a headphone or a remote headphone. In some aspects, the multipurpose exercise weight further comprises a headphone insertion point and/or remote headphone software on the exercise weight.

In other embodiments, a multipurpose exercise weight comprises an exercise weight; a digital device; and a recharging or docking station for the digital device.

Methods of using the multipurpose exercise weights described herein are also contemplated, such as by operating the digital device while exercising with the multipurpose exercise weight.

Particular methods of exercising that are beneficial for use with the digital device include raising the multipurpose exercise weight over an exerciser's head; wherein each of the exerciser's hands is holding each of the diametrically opposed handgrips; wherein the concave surface of the exercise weight is facing the exerciser; and wherein the digital device is operating. In further methods the multipurpose exercise weight is positioned in front of the exerciser at hip level before the raising step. In other methods the multipurpose exercise weight is positioned behind the exerciser's head before the raising step.

In other embodiments, the method may further comprise moving the exercise weight from overhead to along one side of the exerciser's body and about parallel to the exerciser's body to along one side of the exerciser's body and about parallel to the exerciser's body; moving the exercise weight from the one side of the exerciser's body to the front of the exerciser's body at about hip level, wherein the concave surface is facing upwards; moving the exercise weight from hip level to along the other side of the exerciser's body and about parallel to the exerciser's body; and returning the exercise weight to the overhead position; wherein the moving steps for a fluid circular motion.

In other embodiments, methods further comprise moving the exercise weight in an arc path from overhead to between the exerciser's legs while the exerciser is bending the exerciser's knees.

In some embodiments, a method of exercising comprises moving the multipurpose exercise weight in orbital circles around an exerciser's head; wherein each of the exerciser's hands is holding each of the diametrically opposed handgrips; wherein the concave surface of the exercise weight is facing the head of the exerciser; and wherein the digital device is operating.

In other embodiments, a method of exercising comprises moving the multipurpose exercise weight in a twisting motion from an exerciser's first side to the exerciser's second side; wherein the multipurpose exercise weight is positioned at about hip level; and wherein the concave surface is facing the exerciser; wherein each of the exerciser's hands is holding each of the diametrically opposed handgrips; and wherein the digital device is operating.

In other embodiments, a method of exercising comprises moving the multipurpose exercise weight towards the chest of an exerciser from about knee level; wherein the exerciser is bent at the waist; wherein the exerciser's knees are bent; wherein the concave surface is facing the exerciser; wherein each of the exerciser's hands is holding each of the diametrically opposed handgrips; and wherein the digital device is operating.

In some embodiments, the digital device emits a sound bath around the exerciser while exercising.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages will now be described with reference to drawings of a preferred embodiment. The drawings comprise the following figures.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment; FIG. 1A is an embodiment showing a recess configured to receive a media device.

FIG. 2 is a back view of an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an end view of an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a side of an embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows a front view of an embodiment with lights;

FIG. 7 shows an end view with the lights turned on;

FIG. 8 shows a profile of the embodiment and demonstrates how it produces the image of the infinity symbol; and

FIG. 9 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 with the lights turned off.

FIG. 10 demonstrates a method of exercising using an embodiment of the multipurpose weight by holding both handles at waist height with elbows slightly bent; lifting up and away to create an arc; pausing when directly overhead; and returning along same curved path pausing at your waist.

FIG. 11 demonstrates a method of exercising using an embodiment of the multipurpose weight by positioning a SmartBell overhead, arms extended and elbows slightly bent; bringing it down the right side of your body while continuing in a smooth, circular motion to the left and upward until overhead; maintaining a smooth rhythmic flow; and reversing direction.

FIG. 12 demonstrates a method of exercising using an embodiment of the multipurpose weight by starting with a SmartBell overhead, slowly bending elbows to lower it behind your head; pausing and then lifting slowly to starting position.

FIG. 13 demonstrates a method of exercising using an embodiment of the multipurpose weight by positioning a SmartBell overhead with shoulders down and back and feet just over hip width apart, toes pointing slightly outward; moving the SmartBell forward and down to create an arc; keeping back upright, bend knees as SmartBell swings between your legs; and using the natural pendulum-like flow to reverse the arc movement until back overhead.

FIG. 14 demonstrates a method of exercising using an embodiment of the multipurpose weight by positioning feet shoulder width apart and keeping SmartBell behind head; moving the SmartBell in an orbital motion around head; passing one ear, around front of chin, past other ear and finish behind head; and repeating in the reverse direction.

FIG. 15 demonstrates a method of exercising using an embodiment of the multipurpose weight by flowing continuously optionally from Orbital Circles illustrated in FIG. 14 into Twists by using the weight of SmartBell for momentum; using care not to twist beyond a comfortable range; adjusting the distance from body for comfort; and holding further out to increase force.

FIG. 16 demonstrates a method of exercising using an embodiment of the multipurpose weight by positioning SmartBell in front, knees slightly bent; leaning forward, bending at hips; keeping head up and in line with back; pulling SmartBell up along front of body; atop of chest, pushing out and up and guiding it downward to create a circular flowing pattern.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Some of the embodiments disclosed herein incorporate a media device including a media player, and can also include other devices such a still camera, video camera device, video recorder and/or light device, or a combination, e.g., of audio and a visual device(s). The exercise weight, such as a SmartBell, may be equipped with a recess to fit a commercially available media player, or may include a media device, such as an iPhone, MP3 player or an iPod, incorporated into the body of the weight, such as shown in FIG. 1.

The exercise weight can be a sculpted weight. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 10-16 the weight can have a body that is elliptically shaped and has at least two hand grips diametrically opposed toward the outer poles of the ellipse. Though the exact dimensions can vary, in some embodiments, the weight measures 13″ along its longitudinal axis (i.e., its longest or “major” axis) and about 11″ along its transverse (i.e., its shortest or “minor”) axis. When a user holds the weight with both hands on the handles, the longitudinal axis can be approximately horizontal and the transverse axis can be approximately vertical.

The thickness of the weight can vary depending on the desired mass and the preferences of the user. In some embodiments, the thickness can be approximately 0.75 to 1.5 inches with the circumference of the hand grips 24 approximately 6″.

The body of the weight can also be curved in two different directions. For example, the front face of the weight can be curved, in a generally concave manner, about the transverse of the weight. The rear face of the weight can also be curved, in a generally concave manner, about the longitudinal axis of the weight. The extreme ends of the weight, at the hand grips, can optionally be turned slightly back away from the front face. In some embodiments, the hand grips can be 5.5″ long and 2.25″ wide.

The weight could be made of a suitable combination of any of metal, wood, plastic, or rubber, and covered with a soft neoprene type material vinyl, rubber or chrome plating, making it comfortable to hold and handle-and less likely to do damage if dropped. It can also be made of a plastic shell and filled with a suitable substance to give it greater mass, or with other configurations.

The above noted shape of the weight is only one example of a sculpted exercise weight that can be used with the media device accommodating features disclosed below.

An exercise weight, such as that described above or another exercise weight, in accordance with some embodiments, can include a recess sized to receive the housing of typically sized portable hand held media players, iPods®, iPhones®, Blackberries®, or any other such media player that is currently available on the retail market. The recess can also include connections or cables to connect the media player to one or more speakers supported by the body of the weight. In some embodiments, the speaker or speakers are connected to a power source and an amplifier as shown in FIG. 9. The power source may comprise a housing for receiving batteries, e.g., to power the speakers. The digital device in the multipurpose weight can be run on battery power to run the lights and sound etc. In one embodiment, digital device in the multipurpose weight provides a light and is run on two AA batteries.

This combination has many purposes. With a media player connected to the speakers, an instructional video demonstrating exercises with the weight can be displayed conveniently for the user. In this case, a person needs only to look down at or toward the device and see the video instruction on how to use it. In one aspect, a training video such as a short 2-5 minute workout can be used from an iPhone of other media device. However, it provides another benefit in a learning situation. A person could use the fitness device to record imagery of someone else in a training situation. In one embodiment, a video recording could be made of the person training and immediate feedback provided in the training environment. This imagery could also be downloaded for later use on a monitor or to be edited on a computer, and be posted on e.g., youtube.

Some of the embodiments of the fitness device disclosed herein can also include a built in heart rate monitor, with heart rate sensors in the handles of the weight. This would enable a person to both monitor their exercise heart rate and be used to calculate the calories burned in their training session. These measurements may appear on a central screen and can be stored and logged to compare with training sessions over a period of time. The digital device may also be used to garner important information from how the user has used the product.

Some of the embodiments of the fitness device disclosed herein can also have a docking station so that in certain training situations it could be used as a location to look at the video it contains, or has been recorded in the session. The docking station can also serve as a location from which music for ambient listening for the training session can be provided.

Some of the embodiments of the fitness device disclosed herein can incorporate electronics to emit light. The light could be matched to pulse of music, or the light can change to various colors, or in other embodiments, remain one consistent hue. This enables the user to use our device in the dark and or in front of a mirror to carve out light patterns while exercising. In the preferred embodiment of the shape of the weight disclosed in the inventor's previous U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,996, one of the light images created through movement is the infinity symbol which can be seen floating through the air to the enjoyment of the user. In one embodiment, the light device comprises light emitting diodes (LEDs) stringed together through a hollow, interior space within the body of the exercise device.

Some of the embodiments of the fitness device disclosed herein can provide unexpected and unseen benefits. For example, some embodiments of the fitness device can provide a light, sound and electromagnetic field “bath.” The baths created by the circular and orbital patterns of using the fitness device in certain embodiments, and moving it around the head, the limbs and the body.

Further some of the embodiments of the fitness device disclosed herein can provide a “vibration” from the speaker into the hands of the user. Evidence now shows that sound can have a “healing” component. Some of the embodiments can include an electric vibration device, such as a motor with an unbalanced weight, or other types of vibration generation devices.

By choosing the tone or frequency appropriate for the user, tones would be perceived by the user in a new and novel way—vibrationally through the tissue and bone structure of the hand—as well as through the auditory system. Because of the patterning of the circular movements of the exercises the weight is designed to facilitate, the user is able to create concentric circles of sound waves around the body and varying distances from the body directing the sound wave around the head and into the body. Thus, the user experiences the sound “vibrationally” through the bones and is metaphorically and literally bathed in the sound. In this way the subtle EM fields are created. The body's natural internal “chi” may be stimulated in this process of creating the orbital and circular movement patterns.

Some of the embodiments of the fitness device disclosed herein change the perception of a “fitness device” into a mind/body tool that provides new benefits that include providing audio and visual instruction built into the device, the creation of light patterns around the user as the device is used, and providing music that emanates in various ways from the device to enhance its perception by the user. All of the said baths (sound, that light, EMF) are created at distances from the users body that correspond to the length of the users arms, degree of bend at the elbow joint and chosen pathway for the circular/orbital movements giving the user control of the bathing process.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 a fitness device with an MP3 Player, speakers and video/still technology integrally incorporated is shown. In some embodiments, this device can have the shape of the sculptured exercise weight illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,996. However, these concepts could be employed in other fitness devices such as in FIG. 5, which illustrates a traditional dumbbell.

Such a weight 1 is shown FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4. The weight 1 houses digital technology, for instance, to provide capability for music and/or video viewing as well as, optionally, video and still image recording.

FIG. 1 shows the weight 1 including a video screen 2, digital controls for music and video 3, a docking station insertion point 4, speakers 5, heart rate Sensor 6. The docking station 8 would be used to hold the device for stationery use while playing music and also to charge the battery and upload data. At the bottom of FIG. 1 is a model for the docking station 8.

FIG. 1 a shows an alternate embodiment, further showing the weight 1 with a recess 11 for receiving a digital device such as a media player, a cable 13 for connecting the media player to the weight, a securing device 9 for protecting the media player, a power source and amplifier device 12, and a wire 10 connecting the speaker to the power source. The securing device may in some embodiments include a transparent cover, such as a flap that can be at least partially attached to the weight or device with, e.g., Velcro magnets system, or other connectors. Further, a wire 14 connects the heart rate sensor 6 to the power source 12.

FIG. 2 shows the unit to have a camera lens 7 in the back for taking video and still imagery.

FIG. 3 shows the docking station insertion point 4, and also headphone insertion point 9. The device can also have Bluetooth capabilities.

FIG. 4 shows the heart rate sensor 6 from a side view, the camera lens 7, the docking station insertion point 4, and the docking station 8.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment using conventional dumbbells as the housing unit for the digital technology.

It is contemplated that visual instructions could be provided through video embedded in the device. A further benefit is the device could be used as a “learning tool” and video could be taken in a fitness situation by one person (the instructor), and then shown to the student who was performing.

It is also contemplated that a person could use this device to listen to music while training through the headphones, Bluetooth technology or using the embedded speakers providing music for an ambient environment. Thus, the device could be used as a stand alone musical device, or video viewing station.

A possible unexpected benefit of this device is the “vibratory aspect” of sensing vibration of the music through the bones of the hands. There is growing evidence of a healing benefit for the user. Additionally, we contemplate that the circular movements as described in the inventor's previous U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,996, which is incorporated herein by reference, accomplish many healthful attributes at the same time; traditional exercise of moving all the major muscle groups at once to produce a cardiovascular and anaerobic improvement, a stimulus of the body's natural internal Chi energy, and the creation of sound, light, and EMF baths that create a positive feeling for the user.

Some of the embodiments disclosed above incorporate the various digital technologies into a fitness device. These technologies can enhance the use of the fitness device in unique new ways.

Some of the embodiments of the device incorporates sound capability for music to accompany training. The sound may be heard through speakers built into the device, a headset with a cord, or Bluetooth technology. Additionally, the device may rest in a docking station and provide music through built in speakers for enjoyment, or for a fitness class where people are exercising. Thus, the exercise device with built in musical capability could provide ambient music. Additionally, a phone incorporated in to the device can provide a means to contact help in an emergency while exercising, or could be used for leisure purposes.

Although the present embodiments have been described in terms of certain embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art also are within the scope of these inventions. Thus, various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions. For instance, various components may be repositioned as desired. Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages are necessarily required to practice the present inventions. 

1. A multipurpose exercise weight comprising an exercise weight having an oblong body extending along a major axis and a minor axis; and a digital device or a recess for receiving a digital device, substantially centered on the major axis of the body; a pair of generally diametrically opposed handgrips located along the major axis of the body of the exercise weight; a concave surface on the body forming a clearance when placed on a flat horizontal surface; wherein the digital device or the recess is positioned on the concave surface; and wherein the digital device does not touch a horizontal surface when placed on a horizontal surface in any position.
 2. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1, wherein the concave surface has a radius of curvature between about 7 inches and about 20 inches.
 3. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1, wherein a depth of the concave surface is between about 1 and 3 inches, as measured from distal portions of the hand grips to a center of the concave area.
 4. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1, wherein a majority of the mass of the exercise device is disposed between the handles.
 5. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1 where the digital device is selected from the group consisting of a media device, a phone, a personal digital assistant; a portable computing device; or a vibration device.
 6. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 5 wherein the digital device is selected from the group consisting of a sound device, a camera, a video recorder, a video player, and a lighting device.
 7. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 5 further comprising at least one speaker, wherein the at least one speaker is located on the concave surface of the exercise weight.
 8. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 5 wherein the digital device is a phone.
 9. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 5 wherein the digital device is a personal digital assistant.
 10. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 5 wherein the digital device is a portable computing device.
 11. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 5 wherein the digital device is a vibration device.
 12. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1 further comprising a heart rate monitor proximate at least one handgrip of the multipurpose exercise weight.
 13. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1 further comprising a docking station.
 14. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1 further comprising a docking station insertion point on an edge of the exercise weight.
 15. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1 further comprising a headphone or a remote headphone.
 16. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 15 further comprising a headphone insertion point and/or remote headphone software on the exercise weight.
 17. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 5 comprising wherein the digital device is an iPhone, iPod or MP3 player.
 18. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 5 comprising a first media device and a second media device; wherein the first media device is an iPhone, iPod or MP3 player; and wherein the second media device is a light device.
 19. A multipurpose exercise weight comprising an exercise weight; a digital device; and a recharging or docking station for the digital device.
 20. A method of using the multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1 further comprising operating the digital device while exercising with the multipurpose exercise weight of claim
 1. 21. A method of exercising comprising raising the multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1 over an exerciser's head; wherein each of the exerciser's hands is holding each of the diametrically opposed handgrips; wherein the concave surface of the exercise weight is facing the exerciser; and wherein the digital device is operating.
 22. The method of claim 20 wherein the multipurpose exercise weight is positioned in front of the exerciser at hip level before said raising step.
 23. The method of claim 20 wherein the multipurpose exercise weight is positioned behind the exerciser's head before said raising step.
 24. The method of claim 20 further comprising moving the exercise weight from overhead to along one side of the exerciser's body and about parallel to the exerciser's body to along one side of the exerciser's body and about parallel to the exerciser's body; moving the exercise weight from the one side of the exerciser's body to the front of the exerciser's body at about hip level, wherein the concave surface is facing upwards; moving the exercise weight from hip level to along the other side of the exerciser's body and about parallel to the exerciser's body; returning the exercise weight to the overhead position; wherein the moving steps for a fluid circular motion.
 25. The method of claim 20 further comprising moving the exercise weight in an arc path from overhead to between the exerciser's legs while the exerciser is bending the exerciser's knees.
 26. A method of exercising comprising moving the multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1 in orbital circles around an exerciser's head; wherein each of the exerciser's hands is holding each of the diametrically opposed handgrips; wherein the concave surface of the exercise weight is facing the head of the exerciser; and wherein the digital device is operating.
 27. A method of exercising comprising moving the multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1 from an exerciser's first side to the exerciser's second side; wherein the multipurpose exercise weight is positioned at about hip level; and wherein the concave surface is facing the exerciser; wherein each of the exerciser's hands is holding each of the diametrically opposed handgrips; and wherein the digital device is operating.
 28. A method of exercising comprising moving the multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1 towards the chest of an exerciser from about knee level; wherein the exerciser is bent at the waist; wherein the exerciser's knees are bent; wherein the concave surface is facing the exerciser; wherein each of the exerciser's hands is holding each of the diametrically opposed handgrips; and wherein the digital device is operating.
 29. The method of claim 20 wherein the digital device emits a sound bath around the exerciser.
 30. The method of claim 20 wherein the digital device is an iPhone, and wherein the iPhone is configured to perform a workout program application.
 31. The method of claim 12 wherein the heart rate monitor is configured to store a history of heart rate data and is configured to upload heart rate data. 